Families “left their home with their children” after flags were once again erected in a Craigavon housing development.
Upper Bann Sinn Féin Policing representative, Councillor Catherine Nelson, has called for flags at Drumnagoon to be removed for the second time in a week.
On Sunday night a group of around 20 individuals returned to the Drumnagoon area and re-erected flags that had previously been removed following widespread concern from local residents.
Councillor Nelson said: “Over the last 12 hours, residents from all backgrounds have contacted me with a clear and consistent message: Drumnagoon is a settled, mixed and integrated community, and these flags do not reflect the character of the area. Residents came together peacefully to remove them and protect that shared space.
“I am deeply concerned that some felt so intimidated that they left their home with their children. No families should feel forced from their home because of the intimidatory actions of a group.
“The PSNI have footage of those involved and are fully aware of the distress caused. I am calling on them to investigate for any incidents of intimidation, harassment or behaviour designed to increase community tensions.
“Residents have spoken clearly. Their voices must be heard and respected.
“I will continue to stand with local residents and pursue this matter with the PSNI.”
Alliance MLA Eoin Tennyson said the failure of the Department for Infrastructure and other statutory agencies to deal with illegally erected flags is letting down communities.
He was speaking after a group of men returned to the Drumnagoon area of Craigavon to erect flags without consent or consultation with local residents.
Speaking after being contacted by residents, the MLA said the incident had caused significant distress within the community.
“Drumnagoon is a proudly mixed, integrated and shared community. While everyone has the right to celebrate their culture, residents rightly reject any attempt to raise tensions, cause division or make others feel unwelcome.”
“Some residents felt they had no choice but to leave the area last night. That is completely unacceptable. No one should ever feel intimidated in their own home,” he said.
“The response from the Department for Infrastructure has been wholly inadequate. These flags have been placed on public infrastructure without permission, and residents are entitled to expect their removal. The Department cannot continue to ignore situations like this and leave communities to deal with the consequences.”
“I have raised this matter in the Assembly, with the Department and with the PSNI. I will continue to speak up on behalf of residents and press for action to protect this shared community.”
